Mass. man accused of assaulting K-mart employee in shoplifting case

SALEM – A K-Mart employee was punched in the face after he confronted a shoplifter armed with a knife outside the store Tuesday night, police said.

The loss prevention officer, who was not identified in a police news release, was taken to a local hospital where police said he was treated for a broken orbital bone, broken nose and a possible concussion.

The incident happened about 7:20 pm. The employee confronted the man outside the store after seeing him allegedly shoplift.

The man punched the employee in the face and then ran off towards Route 28. The employee told police that as the man told him he had a knife and threatened to stab him.

Officer Ryan Sambataro saw the man running through traffic on Route 28 North, caught up to him and took the knife away from him after a brief struggle.

He then arrested the man, identified as Carmelo Baez, 35, of Lawrence, for second degree assault; criminal threatening with a weapon; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct, and on an electronic bench warrant.